Introduction: Pauline on Acting and Growth
“When I got the script for The Sex Lives of College Girls pilot—about four years ago—I was really excited. I love anything that Mindy Kaling touches, and I could hear her voice throughout. Something I’ve loved about playing Kimberly is how everything she feels is on the surface. She notices something and reacts right away.
In season three, Kimberly makes a lot of mistakes. But she also grasps the significance of those mistakes and searches for ways to fix them. Whether it’s through apologies or some deep inner reckoning, she grows. By the end of the season, she messes up again, but it’s the first time she truly understands her own motives.
When I was younger, I was a professional ballet dancer at the School of American Ballet. We sometimes performed with the New York City Ballet in shows like The Nutcracker or A Midsummer Night’s Dream. We had to do our own stage makeup at nine years old! That was a very different type of makeup, purely for the audience to see our features from afar. My friend Emily taught me the crucial tricks: eyeliner, lash curling, all of it. Later, when I wore makeup to school, it was about discovering what I liked. But skincare wasn’t part of my routine until recently.”
Ballet Beginnings & Makeup Lessons
“I didn’t have any specific Super Sensitive Skincare Routine back then. In fact, I only started taking skincare seriously in the past three years. Part of that is because I’m allergic to cinnamic aldehyde and cinnamic alcohol. Essentially, any fragrance can be a risk.
The FDA doesn’t require those ingredients to be listed clearly. So, every time I tried a new product, I worried about having an allergic reaction. I had really bad eczema in college because finding a safe moisturizer was so hard. I ended up ordering fragrance-free shampoo through the mail. It was always guesswork to figure out if something was safe.
My best friend, Lily, is a skincare queen. Even in high school, she’d say, “How are you not using any moisturizer?” Eventually, she gave me a sample of Schaf’s moisturizer, and that was my entry point. At the same time, I started working more, wearing heavier makeup for shoots. My face could feel the buildup. I also tried olive oil on my face until a makeup artist mentioned it might clog pores.
Once I fell in love with Schaf’s moisturizer, I discovered Schaf’s facial scrub. I use it once or twice a week. Now, I’m a total stan of the brand. I even get a note in my orders signed “Take care, Peter”—I like to believe it’s real. [Laughs] The next vital step for me is sunscreen, and I swear by Beauty of Joseon. Lily insists I use it daily. I’m trying my best to keep up.”
Building a Super Sensitive Skincare Routine
“I’m definitely a cleanser girl. Right now, I rotate between Schaf’s cleanser and Bioderma’s Créaline. Another favorite is Guerlain’s Abeille Royal Cleansing Oil, which uses honey as a base. It melts everything off after a 15-hour shoot day, so I can just go to bed. My face doesn’t feel like I need a second cleanse. Stella McCartney’s Reset Cleanser is also fantastic because it’s a two-in-one formula that smells amazing.
In the mornings, I keep it simple. Often, I skip a full routine and might only apply mascara. It’s wild how mascara instantly makes my face look more “on.” There’s a Guerlain mascara I adore, but it’s hard to remove. Still, it gives the best effect. I also love glittery eyeshadow—the RMS brand has a strong pigment. You can tone it down if you want. Their Luminizer is another go-to. It brightens my look like mascara does. When it catches the light, I’m obsessed.
For lips, I mainly use Homeoplasmine. If I want extra color, I pick a deep nude from whatever brand is around. My priority is hydration, so I usually skip heavy lipstick. That’s why Homeoplasmine is perfect, and it never triggers my allergies. My entire approach is about an extra-sensitive face care routine that stays fragrance-free.”
Hair Care Favorites & Gentle Shampoo
“I swear by Klorane’s Ultra-Gentle shampoo that has oat milk. Their conditioner is also amazing. Sometimes, I use their hair masks, which detangle in under five minutes. I’ve gotten into the habit of brushing my hair while the conditioner sits. I thought I invented that, but apparently, many people do it.
Klorane also has the best dry shampoo. If I need a quick refresh, I rely on that. For deeper nourishment, I love K18’s leave-in hair mask. A hairstylist on College Girls recommended it. My ends feel so healthy afterward, which is key when styling hair regularly. Minimizing damage is crucial for me.
Overall, my fragile skin routine extends to my hair products too. If they’re scented or contain harsh chemicals, I risk an allergic flare. That’s why Klorane’s gentle formula is a favorite. My scalp is as sensitive as my face, and the fewer irritants, the better. Over time, I’ve realized everything from shampoo to styling sprays can affect skin.”
Final Thoughts on Beauty & Growth
“Through The Sex Lives of College Girls, I’ve realized that growth happens when we allow ourselves to make mistakes. Kimberly’s journey mirrors that discovery. I apply that same spirit to my Ultra-Gentle Beauty Routine. I used to test random products without checking for fragrances. Now, I do more research. I see how each item feels on my super sensitive skincare routine.
Even with hair care, I’m more mindful, thanks to experiences like the K18 suggestion and how gentle Klorane can be. Glitter eyeshadow and mascara remain my fun picks, but I keep them in line with my skincare restrictions. Balancing those two needs took time, but it’s worth it.
It’s also about acceptance. I’m fine if I skip morning skincare and just wear mascara. My best friend Lily might scold me to wear sunscreen more often, but I’m improving! These days, I value consistency more than perfection. Taking it day by day, I see how each small step supports my soothing skincare approach.
Photographed by Alexandra Genova in New York on December 5, 2024.
Remember, if you want to maintain a Super Sensitive Skincare Routine, pick fragrance-free items and test them carefully. That’s what finally worked for me. I’m thrilled to share these tips, hoping they help someone else with fragile skin challenges find relief and confidence.”
—As told to Daise Bedolla
Photographed by Alexandra Genova in New York on December 5, 2024